We've grown quite fond of Mazda's new Skyactiv engine range, and apparently, we aren't the only ones. High demand for these engines has caused Mazda to double its production of both the gasoline and diesel versions, and starting in October, the automaker will produce 800,000 of these efficient mills globally, up from 400,000.

In the United States, the 2.0-liter gasoline engine is the only Skyactiv unit currently available, found under the hoods of the Mazda CX-5 (pictured) and Mazda3. Elsewhere in the world, CX-5s can be had with a 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D turbo-diesel engine, which we had a chance to test (and fall in love with) in Iceland. The automaker has confirmed that its next-generation Mazda6 sedan will be available with both of these four-cylinder engines, though it's unclear if the diesel will be available Stateside.

Part of the reason for this Skyactiv engine increase is the high demand globally for the new CX-5 crossover. Mazda will be upping production from 200,000 units annually to 240,000, all of which are built at the automaker's Ujina facility. Because of strong demand since the crossover hit dealerships in February, Mazda has increased its global sales target from 160,000 units to 190,000.

Mazda Motor Corporation today announced it will increase production capacity of its new crossover SUV, Mazda CX-5, from 200,000 units to 240,000 units per year. This will be achieved by expanding production from Ujina Plant No.2 to also include Ujina Plant No.1. Upgrades to the assembly line are based on Mazda's manufacturing system innovation called Monotsukuri Innovation and will enable production of new generation SKYACTIV products at Ujina Plant No.1 earlier than anticipated. The move is made in response to strong demand for the CX-5 in countries all over the world.

The CX-5 is the first model to fully incorporate SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. It has gained a reputation for offering both excellent fuel economy and an exhilarating driving experience. Since sales began in February, Mazda has received orders far surpassing initial estimations and upgraded its annual global sales target from 160,000 to 190,000 units for the fiscal year 2012.

Mazda's representative director and chairman of the board, president and CEO, Takashi Yamanouchi said, "I am grateful for the high praise the CX-5 has been receiving from customers all over the world. This production capacity increase for the CX-5 demonstrates that we are working hard to deliver the vehicle to waiting customers as early as we possibly can. It will also help establish a flexible production system that enables us to produce new-generation SKYACTIV products at Ujina Plant No. 1. I believe that it shows Mazda is making steady progress in optimizing its automobile manufacturing processes."

Mazda to Double Annual Production Capacity of SKYACTIV Engines to 800,000 units

Production volume will be increased from 400,000 units to 800,000 units per year in October 2012. The plant produces SKYACTIV-D diesel engines and SKYACTIV-G gasoline engines. The capacity increase is made in response to increasing demand for cars incorporating the company's SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. It is made possible by Mazda's continued pursuit of a highly efficient flexible production system using multipurpose equipment.

The SKYACTIV-G is a highly efficient, new-generation direct-injection gasoline engine. Mazda engineers overcame the problem of abnormal combustion, commonly known as "knocking", to achieve the world's highest compression ratio for a mass production gasoline engine for vehicles. It is presently available in the Mazda CX-5, currently being launched in markets around the world. It will also be available in the next generation Mazda6 to be released later this year.

The SKYACTIV-D is a new-generation clean diesel engine that complies with global exhaust gas regulations without the need for a costly nitrogen oxide (NOx) aftertreatment system. It achieves the world's lowest compression ratio for a mass production diesel engine for vehicles. The first model to be equipped with the SKYACTIV-D is the Mazda CX-5. It will also be available in the next generation Mazda6 to be released later this year.

Mazda intends to sell 1,700,000 units globally in the fiscal year ending March 2016. Models employing SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY are expected to account for 80 percent of total sales.

Reported comments and users are reviewed by Autoblog staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week to determine whether they violate Community Guideline. Accounts are penalized for Community Guidelines violations and serious or repeated violations can lead to account termination.

I love Mazda, too. More than I can say for any of the other Japanese manufacturers.. Besides Subaru, I guess. Got a smidgen of love left for Mitsubishi too as long as they keep the EVO going. The Skyactiv-D is a great engine, and the new 6 it's gonna go in, is really nice. I hope their financials hold up..

Go Mazda. These guys are my favorite Japanese company. They are more aimed at performance/driver involvement than Toyota/Honda. But they are small and are struggling financially. Hopefully they get some hits with the new styling and skyactive system.

I agree, but both Toyota and Honda (besides the FR-S) have lost their soul. Luckily mazda is so small it basically only has soul. It's fascinating to see how they manage to make the skyactive mills responsive and efficient. It could be their new niche.

Maybe 10 years ago I would have agreed that Honda was more sporty than Toyota. But both Honda and Toyota have been getting less sporty and more bland for a decade. Neither has done much sporty in quite a while. Though Toyota is now doing the FR-S, that alone likely puts them ahead of Honda.